INtown Runaround: Cabbagetown Walkers

By Tim Sullivan

Cabbagetown resident Barb Keeney Harper owns and operates the popular Milltown Tavern with her sons Chris and HJ McGinness. But every Thursday evening she leaves the business to the boys sets out a-walking with a burgeoning group of like-minded enthusiasts.

You were an avid runner who both ran and even trained others for marathons right?
I loved all kinds of running for 28 years – from daily exercise to popular marathons all over the USA. Running fulfilled my desire to be outside and I liked the reward of setting and making goals. I enjoyed paying it forward by coaching others to succeed with marathons. I was a volunteer and participant with the Galloway Marathon Program for several years.

But then you made the switch to walking?
I’m a baby boomer and for many years the doc reminded me the pounding of running will catch up. It did! I ran the Mercedes Half Marathon in Birmingham, came in second for my age group and was in pain. I saw the x-ray of my hip and got the message.

Ouch. But now I see you out all over the place, taking the city by foot and you are in great shape. How many miles per week do you log?
21-25 miles per week. If someone believes, running is their only way to fulfill exercise then walking won’t work. Walking works for me as much as running. I see running as a chapter of my life and walking as a new chapter.

And of course out of your enthusiasm the Cabbagetown Walkers were born. Tell us about the group.
The Cabbagetown Walkers enjoy exercise, connections with friends and beer. Some my closest friendships in Cabbagetown have started with the Cabbagetown Walkers.

How many years does the group have under its belt?
In February the group will be five years old. At the time, I was new to Cabbagetown. There was a very active running group that met at Milltown every Thursday evening. They were my example. I put out an invitation on the community news group. The first week no one showed. I walked. I put out the invitation again and Lynne Splinter showed with an umbrella. It was cold and rainy. We walked and talked for two miles in the rain. I knew this would work. I kept inviting people and more and more walkers came.

I remember that first week. You set out by yourself and came back with a big smile. I knew at that moment that the idea would catch on because it was obvious you were going to persevere. If someone reading this wants to join you what do they have to do?
We meet every Thursday – rain, snow and sunshine – at 7 p.m. in front of Milltown. We leave, promptly at 7, so be on time.

The runners could probably use some strong leadership like that. How far do you all generally walk each Thursday evening? Ever make any stops along the way?
3 to 4 miles or 1 to 1.5 hours. We have a pub crawl every anniversary year.

Have you ever had to discipline anyone for walking too fast or too slow?
The group takes care of themselves. The fast go fast and the slow go slow! All seem to find someone to go their pace.

What’s the preferred beverage of choice for the group post-walk? Protein shakes?  uava juice?
Beer and at the end of walk the famous chant from Hash House Harriers, “Near Beer.”

Milltown Tavern also serves as the host and starting point for the Romp & Stomp 5k. The Intown Running & Walking Scene thanks you heartily!
It has been rewarding to support the runners and walkers with water, beer and a meeting place.  Being the starting point for the Romp & Stomp has been a small way for me to have that feeling you get when you are in a race. Love it. I want to be an example, a leader, and inspire others to enjoy walking and running.